Flight of the White Raven

This content is not visible to non-members.

the staff team luvs u

Like the carved gash that bordered the sea, another land had seemingly appeared overnight. Runar had believed the sound of water to be more present in recent days, though where he once believed spring wells were returning turned to the distant heavy beat that roared softly over the winds. It was far too loud to be from the mountain.

He took to the west, following the sound and smell of heavy falls. It would not take long to find the source, or one of, he would note. Several cliff faces were adorned with flowing rivers, crashing into the next with brilliant sprays. A bears paradise, he’d idly think to himself, so long as the fishing was good.

A nearby call drove birds from their trees, and in turn, the mountain king’s ear. Curiosity befell him as Runar sought it out until his paws brought forth a woman of cardinal and ivory. “Nor might any.” he had only caught the tail end of words, though he only saw the woman to share them. “Land is new, much like yourself?”

Runar tilted his head a fraction with his question, eyes giving a subtle glance for who she had been speaking to. “No name to give, not yet, but Runar comes from mountains. Peaks to east, Runar’s home. Fate’s Summit.”
the staff team luvs u

This content is not visible to non-members.

the staff team luvs u

The High King tilted his head with a shrug. “One of many. Common to find wolves disoriented, awoken from slumber. However, this area? No. She is new. Impressive falls, though Runar is not sure where water stems from.” He'd turn his head away, perhaps to lighten her guard or maybe it was just to get a better look at the towering waterfalls. Runar's quiet for a moment, running the word through his head before he mumbles something on his lips.

“You are killer.” There was a hint of iron amongst the blowing spray, and even with her side turned, he was growing more suspicious of the source. “No. Some claim death; others, transported. Runar believes plucked by gods.” For better or for worse. He'd glance at the woman from the corner of his eye. Was it a test or punishment... “What is Miss banamaðr of?” A trace of suspicion laced his tongue, far less practiced than his mother's. Her face was made of stone, and while she had trained him, he still betrayed himself.
the staff team luvs u

This content is not visible to non-members.

the staff team luvs u

Maybe so, but it was not an adventure Runar would take today. He was more curious about this stranger and the titles she kept. It took a minute for the High King to process monster, but once he did, he couldn't help but wonder what kind of monster she meant. A wolf? A larger predator? Or something of fiction...

“Monster? No, these lands are peaceful. Runar has never encountered...monsters, but he has heard stories. Bad wolves come in many histories. Runar's mother fought tiger. Bears pass but can be peaceful. More scared of pack than lone wolf and leave.” It wouldn't be the first wolf he had heard of coming from some war torn land. Belenus was no different, a soldier who stood ever guard despite the long grown peace Vanderfell experienced.
the staff team luvs u

This content is not visible to non-members.

the staff team luvs u

Creatures as tall as trees? Maybe some gods, but nothing in particular. It depends on who you asked. Behemoths with large wings and fire breath, those he had heard of, but beyond those descriptors he had little to go off of but his imagination. Before he could respond, she turned to show her side. Deep gashes larger than any bears claw ran her flank. He thought he smelled the iron, but he was surprised he hadn't realized the extent of her wound by smell alone. He chalked it up to her being downwind.

The High King's eyes bulged, his jaw slackened as he tried to find the words, “You're injured—” It was an obvious statement, but one from concern rather than arrogance. Frantically, he looked around for something that might help stop the bleeding. Moss was good at soaking wounds, perhaps it would help clot the blood. “You should start with that next time.” A tone bordering a frustrated chide much like a parent catching their child in a lie.

Ah— they were lucky this area was so humid. Runar managed to find a fallen log near the river's edge, the bark's side overtaken with an abundance of green even in the thawing weather. He tore it in clumps from the wood's joints, doing his best to shake free any stray bark or dirt before dipping it in the cool water's current.
the staff team luvs u

This content is not visible to non-members.

the staff team luvs u

“For help? Of course! Or, well, after a moment's judgement.” It was hard to say. Runar had lived a comfortable life, and while his mother had taught him many things, he still lacked the experience to back it. He barked a laugh at her question, his muzzle wet as he pulled the moss from the river, both dripping with the cold that clung deep in the underlayers.

“Gods, no. But Runar knows some things. Healers back in Vanderfell.” Or wolves with more experience than he, bare minimum. “If Runar can stop blood, then you should make journey.” He turned to face her again, careful in his approach should she suddenly fight his aide, though if left to his devices he would attempt to press the moss to her side where the blood ran most.
the staff team luvs u

This content is not visible to non-members.

the staff team luvs u

He'd chuckle at what might be taken as an insult to others, “Runar has no doubt. Mother could only prepare so much in such little time.” Not that she was gone, but he had taken over before he was even recognized as an adult. She hadn't been the same since Father died. “Villhge—? Phak, ess.” His words were muffled by the moss as he pressed into her side. His pressure was firm, but careful as he worked his way to the worst of the marks.

No sooner had he begun did she press her nose to his cheek with the thanks of two tongues. He could feel his skin flush beneath his fur, pausing for a moment while he processed the gesture before finding the feeling in his toes again. He chose not to reject her thanks, even if he found them unnecessary. Runar could only hope someone would do the same had their positions been reversed. The High King worked in silence until the moss had turned red and the worst of the bleeding seemed to calm itself.

Runar spat the moss from his mouth before finally breaking the silence, “You can rest with Runar's pack. Temporary home, unless you find something more. Injuries like these do not heal in day and without care you will die.” His father had taught Katja much of these harsh realities, and while the lessons were not inherently for him, he figured it was best to overhear the complexities of healing wounds and noticing infections. As for Vasiliya, he hoped to learn more of these monsters while he could. Perhaps she would even find her way in Vanderfell.
the staff team luvs u

This content is not visible to non-members.

the staff team luvs u